Country Dance & Song Society

Individuals nourished and communities strengthened by dancing, singing, and making music together

We connect and support people in building and sustaining vibrant communities through participatory dance, music, and song. We steward the living traditions of English country dance, contra and square dance, morris and sword dance, and the music that is an integral part of these traditions. Learn more

Photo by Armelle Lorcy, ContraQuebec Spring Buds.

Singing, dancing, and making music together is important work.

Donate now

Thanks to a generous donor, our spring appeal has been kickstarted with a $20,000 gift!

Number of donors toward our goal of 100:
Total raised so far toward our goal of $40,000:

Photo by Armelle Lorcy, ContraQuebec Spring Buds.

What’s New

Spring/Summer 2025 CDSS News
The latest issue of the CDSS News is out now! Read about celebrating Chuck Ward’s legacy with music workshops at Fall Frolick, training new dance callers in California, our new podcast(!), and more!
April 2025 Song of the Month
Phil Cooper introduces “Goin’ ’Cross the Mountain,” about a Union soldier volunteer leaving his home to join the army. It shows youthful enthusiasm (before he’s going to be confronted with harsh reality).
Introducing a new podcast: The Flying Shoes Radio Hour!
In each episode, host Chrissy Fowler welcomes contra dance musicians to an informal recording session, where we get to hear their sound up close and personal, as well as stories about their history and approach to playing. The first episode highlights the Pine Tree Flyers. Listen and subscribe!
From the Mic Episode 30: Jeremy Korr
In episode 30 of From the Mic, host Mary Wesley speaks with Jeremy Korr. Jeremy is a bicoastal caller, based in Southern California and Eastern Massachusetts. A second-generation dancer and dance leader, he has been calling children’s and family dances and international folk dances since 1993 and contras and squares since 2003.
Community Culture & Safety Toolkit
New in the Resource Portal for organizers! The Community Culture & Safety Toolkit is a comprehensive guide to help organizers develop the policies, procedures, and supporting documents needed to understand and facilitate safety in their communities. Topics include creating a statement of community values, code of conduct, and etiquette guidelines; establishing protocols for handling complaints and infractions; and evaluating the safety of a physical space. The toolkit also includes bonus guides on facilitating community meetings, role terminology, and managing chemical sensitivities.
We Filled the Barrand Fund!
We’re pleased to report that after several generous donations, including a final gift from the Cajolet family in memory of Ron “Cajy” Cajolet, the Anthony Barrand Research & Stewardship Fund is now complete and ready to be put to use!

Inspired by the life of Tony Barrand and his numerous contributions to the thriving morris, ritual, and song traditions on the continent, this fund provides financial support to the next generation of song and dance researchers. For more info, visit the Community Grants page.